Professional Auto Racing is an aspiration many have, but few achieve, but anything is possible with the right amount of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Rayne Woodside is no exception, as he’s the first Bahamian racer, with aspirations to make it in professional racing, also making his country proud in the process.
“When I was four-years-old, it’s always been my dream to do this. My path was different, however. I used to watch the Disney movie, Cars, to the point my head started hurting. After watching the behind the scenes, showing Bristol Motor Speedway and the Gen-4 NASCAR Cup cars, I became hooked, thanks to that and my Mom taking me to my first car show back in the Bahamas. We (the Bahamas) had racing in the 1960’s, but we haven’t had a racing series since then and with that, I’m able to say that ‘I’m the first Bahamian to do this’ and it really is a true statement. I’m always going to carry that on my back because nobody has ever done this before I have, and that just fuels me even more to be a driver. Most either don’t know where to start or give up on it, but I refuse to quit.”
Drivers need a strong support system, from family, friends, mentors and even fellow drivers and well-established colleagues . However, as the saying goes, it’s “quality over quantity”, regardless of “strength in numbers”. It’s also very important to understand that a Mother’s love takes her Son a long way down any career path, even if there’s a steep hill to climb.
“My mom is my rock,” Woodside proudly declares. “If you have a mother, cherish her—she’s your number one supporter and your First Lady. I love my mom. She’s done everything for me, made countless sacrifices, and is my hero. I look up to her every day of my precious life. I want her to be proud of me when I make it, even though she always reminds me she’s already proud of me.”
Racing takes a lot of practice, hard work and determination, including countless hours of real-life seat time, and practice on the simulator. Woodside utilizes iRacing regularly and his speciality is Open-Wheel, Road Racing. With this expertise, he posts racing content on Instagram, the ever-popular photo and video sharing social media platform, which he’s gone viral on and continues to grow his platform by posting all types of content, even beyond the steering wheel. Woodside has also driven a Lamborghini at Las Vegas Motor Speedway out west and looks forward to going Kart Racing in 2025.
“I got karting experience at Indoor Karting Facilities and even tested on a Simulator, before moving back to the Bahamas. I was stuck playing video games for that time being, but I was still hungry, finishing High School at 17. When my Mom and I came back to the states, we relocated to Roanoke, Virginia, and I worked Hotel shifts as a Houseman, prior to moving to Branson, Missouri, where I was a Hotel Runner and I initially gave up on racing.”
Racing is expensive, no matter what your pockets look like and how much backing you have, money buys speed and that’s the bottom line. If you expect to compete professionally, you have to either come from rich parents or have a huge endorsement with you, because either way, it’s a high price to pay to compete at any top level of professional auto racing.
“When we moved to Nashville, Tennessee, my Mom encouraged me to pick back up where I left off, working towards getting tickets to network with drivers and simulator gear, before I tested a Lamborghini in 2023. After progressing with the team I drove for, I knew it was time to ‘spread my wings and fly’ once the opportunity came to a close. That being said, I’m forever grateful for the opportunities provided to me, and I’ve since been on to bigger and better things. I’ve also tested a 1500-power Go-Kart, while continuing to build my brand and connecting with people, working side jobs to make it happen. Some of my jobs consisted of working Football and Soccer games, specifically as a Cashier and doing Concessions. During this time, I was able to upgrade my Simulator, getting Moza equipment and Track Racer RS6, before upgrading to Sim Lab. Since I’m a Brand Ambassador for VRS, they sent me a wheel at no charge.”
While Woodside’s primary focus has been building his brand before getting back behind the wheel, there is plenty of opportunity on the horizon for this young phonon who hasn’t even reached his prime yet and looks to get behind the wheel when the time is right. Kart racing is one of Woodside’s favorites and he expects to show off his competitive edge this year.
“I recently got an invite from 615 Racing Team, letting me come see the track and I was asked if I want to compete with them. Of course I didn’t turn down this offer so I’ll be racing with them this year. The owner, Greg Brandon, is pretty cool. He bought another Kart recently and wants me to have as little frustration as possible behind the wheel and expects me to compete, starting in the second race. I’ll take my time when testing out the Kart this weekend and will never forget where I came from. I’m a humble person and my integrity is important to me. Like Mr. Brandon says, my focus should be to go out and having fun, since I tend to forget the ‘have fun’ part of racing, whether it’s on the Sim or in real life. There are times where you have to analyze certain things, but my number one priority this year is having fun.”
Woodside has a steep hill to climb, as do many melanated drivers who want to become professionals, whether it’s in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, Trans-Am or IMSA. Woodside wants to be competitive, win races and show the world and his country that he’s here for longevity, not just be another face on track that isn’t like 97% of his competition.
“I want the world to know who I am, not just as a Bahamian. I can’t compare myself to Lewis (Hamilton), because he didn’t just do a lot for Brits, but for Black Racers all along, as well as the Black Community. Of course, I’m Black, but I’m doing it for the Caribbean, I’m doing it for my family and myself. If I can’t compete in Formula 1, I want to compete in IndyCar or WEC. Even though I anticipate moving forward ten years from now, I see myself being more successful, being a Beacon for not just myself, but also where I come from. I represent those that struggle, since I didn’t come from money. I wasn’t poor, but I come from a middle-class family and I want to do what’s on my heart. Those of us from the Bahamas still have dreams and I still want to go chase mine and I represent everyone who has a dream. I want everyone to succeed, regardless of their family background and finances, and I believe everyone can resonate with that.
Woodside’s career is still in the baby stages, so-to-speak, being only 21-years-young. With most of the competition having wealthy parents, this isn’t intimidating for Woodside, since he’s still learning as a goes while simultaneously finding the backing to compete in the top-levels of Open Wheel Racing. Despite having F1 and IndyCar aspirations, you can potentially see him in Stock Cars or even Sports Cars to get a foot in the door of Open Wheel Racing. Follow his story on Instagram, and keep an eye out for this hard-working young man who has a lot to look forward to, once his career is off the ground.
Every Man on Every Crew, LLC. 
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